With the True Believers 2018 Summer Variant Edition happening this Sunday, we bring back our smaller version (it's a smaller event after all) of our regular 5 Question Interview series by putting 3 (new-ish) Questions to The Inheretics's Leon Reichel...

What do you love about reading comics?

For me, it has to be the drawings. I love to see how illustrators interpret the story, the draughtsmanship, how it’s paced, the dynamics of each frame. When it’s done right you don’t even notice it. All the skill and graft that goes into easing the reader seamlessly through a story. Even more wondrous when you think it was all done using just a pen.

What do you love about creating comics?

Again drawing, we love to draw…….. and daydream! We’re illustrators, that’s what we do!

Stories and scenarios flit in and out of your mind constantly. If something sticks, you play with it, shape it, re-shape it until you have something worthwhile.The story has to be strong, as you know the art is hell of a lot of work to get right, so you’re not going to waste your time on something feeble.

And the fact someone is prepared to read it, well that’s just bonkers!

What do you love about comic cons?

The people, they rarely go to comic cons in a bad mood. Although on saying that, there’s this one guy i keep seeing at every con, who always looks at me like he wants to end my life.

And if you haven't bought your tickets yet, head to our ticket page now to buy yours.

With the True Believers 2018 Summer Variant Edition fast approaching, we bring back our smaller version (it's a smaller event after all) of our regular 5 Question Interview series by putting 3 (new-ish) Questions to Time Bomb Comics' Steve Tanner...

What do you love about reading comics?

Any story can be told using comics. Better than that, any piece of information and knowledge can be shared using comics. As a creative medium comics are unique, both in the way they are created and how they are enjoyed. Personally throughout my life comics have been the constant, the trusted friend, never judging but always there to offer solace. Comics have been with me for my highest of highs and my lowest of lows, and journeyed with me all over the world. They're more than just something to read, at least to me they are, but whenever I just want something to read there they are.

What do you love about creating comics?

Something abstract, there in your head, an idea or a concept, then brought to life and made real - that's the creative process distilled to the basics, and it never, ever gets old. Whether it's putting those words down into the script for the first time, or working with incredibly talented folks who turn those words into pencils, inks, colours , letters, the creative collaboration involved in making a finished comics page is unbelievably rewarding. As a writer, seeing images in my brain brought to life by talented artists is exhilarating and always unexpected - they always surprise and delight with what they do. Creating comics is the best job in the world!

What do you love about comic cons?

Making comics, the writing, drawing, lettering and printing? That's the easy part. The difficult thing is getting your comic to the readers, and that's why cons are such wonderful places to be, as there's so many potential readers there. And that's the thing - each one is a potential reader, so each one has just as much right to be there as anyone else. The die-hard Marvel fan, the 2000AD groupie, the indie comics chin-stroker, the over exciteable cosplayer, the snide commentator or the angry blogger. Even the "free hugs" guy. All of them, in one big room, united with a love for the medium or the myriad things that flit around its edges. How can anyone not love that?

Thanks for taking part.

You can find more of Steve and Time Bomb Comics online at his website.

And if you haven't bought your tickets yet, head to our ticket page now to buy yours.

With the True Believers 2018 Summer Variant Edition fast approaching, we bring back our smaller version (it's a smaller event after all) of our regular 5 Question Interview series by putting 3 (new-ish) Questions to the mighty Nick Prolix...

What do you love about reading comics?

There's something really special about how the way a comic is drawn transforms what that comic is trying to say and how it's understood and experienced.

What do you love about creating comics?

Discovering more about the characters and their stories, the constant surprise at the difference between the page you set out to draw and the page that actually wants to be drawn.

What do you love about comic cons?

The chance to chat to everyone and anyone about comics and the creative process.

Thanks for taking part, what can people find at your table on the day?

On my table you can get caught up on the first three issues of my ongoing retro comic series SLANG PICTORIAL, grab my Sketchbook and prints as well as picking up issues 1 and 2 of the Awesome Comics Anthology which contains COCKNEY KUNG FU, a slapstick crime comedy drawn by me and written by pal and tag team partner Tony Esmond

What do you love about reading comics?

I love the imagination behind the artwork in comic books and the creativity of the minds of the artists. Great comics create whole universes populated by the craziest things that people can imagine.

What do you love about creating comics?

Creating comics gives me an opportunity to express myself about things I love and the chance to be silly and have fun. And it’s nice to produce paper copies of things instead of just blogging. I just wish I had done this years ago instead of waiting so long.

What do you love about comic cons?

I love seeing all the cosplay people, finding new comics to buy and getting the chance to meet the creators too. As a seller it will be nice to meet people at the event and show them my small press books.

Thanks for taking part, what can people find at your table on the day?

I will be selling copies of Nic Cage, Actor for Hire (Issue 1), Morrissey, Misery in Bitesize Chunks (my interpretation of Morrissey’s autobiography) and Merde in France (for people who want to learn how to speak French using pop culture references). I’ll also have some stickers and badges.

What do you love about reading comics?

I think that a lot of people have that medium of choice. That delivery method that makes them happy and content and whilst I wouldn’t knock anyone else’s choices it’s clear to anyone with half a brain that comics is by far the best. It’s a combination of words and art that draws you in and then you realise that it takes both a logical and artistic brain to negotiate what is presented. You have to be capable of recognising often very simplistically drawn faces and objects and also be able to extrapolate the action that often happens between the panels. It’s both intellectual and instinctual. The medium of comics is one that can cover any subject. Anything you want from the dark spaces in a killer’s mind to a game of football to a romance in the school yard to a grand Galaxy spanning soap opera (and more than just that). I know that people say that all the time but it doesn’t stop it being true. It has a poetry of art and a beauty in words and vice versa. It is the one art form that will survive the fall back into the dark ages. We won’t have movies or digital streaming and people will happily murder each other than gather together in groups. But that one person will scrawl art again on a cave wall or the side of a bunker for the next traveller to see. That and I like it when people punch each other! I like that a lot!

What do you love about creating comics?

I started reading comics as a kid some forty (cough) years ago and it wasn’t long before I was tracing pages and making my own stories up (mostly about Marvel Comics characters). It just continued. I had to give up on the attempts to be Kirby or Byrne due to a severe lack of talent and I eventually concentrated on the writing more. It’s different as a writer. You have to explore that visual imagination but you then have to communicate that in words. That dynamic is something that can really stretch you. Add to that the ideas you can come up with and the blast you get when an artist gets where you are coming from and takes them a step further makes it all worthwhile. I’ve become a busy boy recently and a day rarely goes by where I don’t get a new page or design through from an artist. That little spark of joy as I open a Dropbox link or look at a WhatsApp message makes the hair on the back of my old neck stick up! You know what? It’s all great. From coming up with an idea and scribbling it in a notebook to someone reading and enjoying it and every single moment in between!

What do you love about comic cons?

The best bit...... Hmm...... Shouting jokes at Vince and Dan? You couldn’t get two better table mates. We literally laugh from minute one of meeting up until the time I put Vince back on the bus home broken and groggy. It’s great for meeting girls too! (It’s not). Comic Cons have changed in my time of going. But I still enjoy meeting creators, looking at comics and BACK ISSUES!

Thanks for taking part, what will people find at your table on the day?

Myself and Vince will be manning the Awesome Comics Pod table this time around. We’ll have issues 1 and 2 of our Awesome Comic anthology on the table for £3 each or £5 for both. We might also have a few saucy prints and badges available too. If you are a creator we’d also love to chat and maybe record something for the podcast.

See you on the 5th of August....Be afraid......

You can find more Awesome Comics Podcast online at their websiteand on Twitter @theawesomepod.

And if you haven't bought your tickets yet, head to our ticket page now to buy yours.

What do you love about reading comics?

There is nothing more exciting then escaping to a world full of heroes, villains, creatures and other creations that the writer and artist have made.

What do you love about creating comics?

Putting together our Anthology enables us to bring a group of amazing individuals together to share their love of making comics and hopefully inspired the next generation while helping them have a moment of reprieve from their daily excitement of the hospital.

What do you love about comic cons?

It is an opportunity for us to meet all the amazing creators who are involved in our anthologies and a great place for us to give our comic making kits to the children that walk through the doors. One of them could be the next big thing we will all be reading soon.

Thanks for taking part.

At the Little Heroes table you will find issue 1 of their Charity Anthology Comic and - if their KickStarter reaches it's goal - Issue 2 as well. They will also have some prints and a free kit for children which includes; 1 blank panelled comic, some pencils and a couple of colouring in pages.

What do you love about reading comics?

Comics are immersive and empathetic. It's like reading a novel, but the images are supplied...almost. In order to make them work, your mind animates the image and gives voice to the characters. The script may be laid out in a non-negotiable way, but you get to be the director. You decide how long to stay in each scene, and the dynamic of the character interactions and expressions. There's no other medium like that...and if there is, I have yet to see it.

What do you love about creating comics?

Lots of things. I love how my work is an extension (albeit humble) of all the others who have come before. I love how those of us making comics in whatever capacity we can are keeping the flame burning. I love the magic behind bringing an idea out in pencils, and then the feel of ink on the page, and that first shock of wow when the form really takes shape with color and word. It's a craft and it's an art and I love every minute of it.

What do you love about comic cons?

People. I love meeting all kinds of people, who all have different reasons for coming together. Comics mean so many different things to so many different people and I love finding out what compels people to gather together to talk, read, buy, support, discover, appreciate and enjoy the medium. I've made some great friends, lifelong ones, from attending cons.

Hi, we're Deadstar Publishing and we've been around since 2010. 2018 has been one of our busiest years to date with five new releases so far. We've been regulars at True Believers since it started but this will be our first time at the summer show. When you see us we'll have old favourites like Dexter's Half Dozen, our WWII supernatural horror comic series, and our Rising Stars anthology as well as new titles like Age of Savagery - our freshly released swords and sorcery graphic novel featuring the world of Genodd as explored by 22 artists and writers. Stop by and say hi!

What do you love about reading comics?

These days I tend to read a lot of indie and creator-owned comics. Marvel and DC are great at what they do, but I prefer the originality and passion that you can see in smaller titles - and there's something for everyone, from crime-fighting dolphins to time travellers with pugs, right the way through to stories about mercenary companies in the 31st century who've pledged their allegiance to a galactic super-intelligent Koala AI! No matter what your background and interests, there's something out there that's perfect for you - and all those hundreds of thousands of tales all show off different storytelling styles. It's phenomenal the variation that exists; enough that I could read forever if I had the time.

What do you love about creating comics?

Comics are a medium that it's never been easier to enter. The options for publishing and getting your idea out there are many and varied, from webcomics to indie collectives to self publishing and so on. We've been around for 8 years now and in that time we've seen an explosion in small presses and we think that's wonderful because every creator involved is getting their vision out there and creating a community where art and sequential storytelling can be appreciated in a way that's never before been possible. To be a part of that revolution is, simply, thrilling.

What do you love about comic cons?

Once upon a time, geek was a dirty word. Nobody wanted to be associated with it. Now people are proud to be geeks, and to show off the things that make them excited. I think comic cons have a lot to do with that. The growth and acceptance of geekdom started when people realised they weren't alone. They weren't the only person that liked that cool thing. To us, comic cons are the place where you meet friends, share love for your favourite weird creations and find new worlds to enjoy. So, find us on the Deadstar Publishing table and we'll introduce you to our worlds.

And if you haven't bought your tickets yet, head to our ticket page now to buy yours.

With the True Believers 2018 Summer Variant Edition fast approaching, we bring back our smaller version (it's a smaller event after all) of our regular 5 Question Interview series by putting 3 (new-ish) Questions to Andy CT from Horde Comics...

What do you love about reading comics?

Amazing and diverse stories (increasingly in the indie scene) incredible art work, but most of all, it's the characters! Following your favourites between stories, and through the years is compelling stuff. Kind of like less depressing soap operas come to think of it...Death has a similar level of permanence, parentage mysteries are rife, less shenanigans over Pub ownership mind you.

What do you love about creating comics?

As someone who works in a team to create a comic, It's a real thrill to see everything come together as scripts turn into art, is coloured and letters are added. Having just released our first book, it's also amazing to see copies arriving with people and hear they've enjoyed it (long may that trend continue). Finished products aside I also really enjoy writing and telling stories - As a kid I'd make up adventures with my toys (and occasionally twigs) so writing became an extension of that. My only regret is that I may never top the Infinity War topping crossover 6 year old me delivered with my Dinosaurs / Boglin / Battle Beast & Manta Force crossover event.

What do you love about comic cons?

I love a good Comic event - They're the perfect place to discover new books you'd not heard of before, whether via small press creators, or mining through long boxes for long forgotten gems they are always a treasure trove for new content to enjoy. Most of all though, I enjoy meeting and talking to people at events like this - It's great to meet new people (often incredibly talented creators) mostly just to talk about this thing we all enjoy.

Thanks for taking part.

Head to the Horde Comics table, where you'll be able to:

* Pick up copies of Horde Comics Volume 1

* Also snag some artwork (Pinups / Postcards etc either only previously available for our KS backers or Never Before)

* Gregg Mason (Who does our amazing cover art and one of the stories) will also be doing some sketches - Watch our socials for full commission slots

* See what we're working on next - We might give you a sneak preview of what's coming soon

And if you haven't bought your tickets yet, head to our ticket page now to buy yours.

With the True Believers 2018 Summer Variant Edition fast approaching, we bring back our smaller version (it's a smaller event after all) of our regular 5 Question Interview series by putting 3 (new-ish) Questions to The Etherington Brothers...

What do you love about reading comics?

The combination of words and pictures colliding on the page is simply compelling. And with our limited reading time they're a practical option too!

What do you love about creating comics?

Bringing new worlds to life. It's our particular forte and one in which we take great pride. Well, that, and a good sight gag!

What do you love about comic cons?

There's nothing else like them, and we've performed at, and attended, a LOT of different shows. Meeting new readers and old friends and sharing our passion for the medium is in our blood. It's as much a part of our career as making books.

Thanks for taking part.

At the Etherington Brothers table you will find a mighty stack of titles from our back catalogue. Rare comics, hard to find items, books available ONLY at live shows, along with limited edition prints and more! Come for the comics, stay for the chat!

And if you haven't bought your tickets yet, head to our ticket page now to buy yours.

With the True Believers 2018 Summer Variant Edition fast approaching, we bring back our smaller version (it's a smaller event after all) of our regular 5 Question Interview series by putting 3 (new-ish) Questions to Cog Life Comics...

What do you love about reading comics?

The diverse subject matter and stories that pour out the page from the legacy and action of Captain America to the horror and suspense of Madius Comic's Horrere, there is literally a comic for every single person.

What do you love about creating comics?

Being part of the brilliant independent UK comics scene is inspiring and getting to see your ideas take form from script to page to book is always a trip and to exhibit it and engage with fans is truly an amazing feeling.

What do you love about comic cons?

As a creator, exhibiting and meeting comic enthusiasts is always a pleasure and selling even one book is humbling. Getting to meet pillars of the comics scene and learn from such amazing talent is invaluable and helps me grow as a creator.

As a fan, I love meeting writers and artists who created stories I adore and I am a collector of original art and sketches so I always have my sketch books to hand.

Thanks for taking part.

At Cog Life Comic's table you will find Isolation, a diverse anthology based off one theme and how each creator interpreted it as well as 2015 Best Sports Book Finalist graphic novel, The Art of Running: The Steve Prefontaine Story. Jon and Mike will be drawing all day for your entertainment from sketch cards to sketch covers and happy to talk about anything and everything!

You can find Kev online at his Website and stop by his table at True Believers 2018 and say "Hello".

With True Believers 2018 just days away, we put 5 Questions to The Inheretic team...

What will people find at your table at True Believers 2018?

We have our 128 page full colour graphic novel, The Inheretic, a sci-fi thriller, which has had great reviews and proved very popular. And Lollipop & Ten our steampunk fantasy, which made its debut at True Believers last year, the story of a beautiful busker who is befriended by a small strange child, bonkers, buy it, you’ll love it!

What do you love about creating comics?

Creating characters, personalities and storylines and, for that matter, whole worlds and being able to get it out there in any form, be it music, novels, film or comics is a great thing. And the idea of weaving unpleasant people, you actually know in real life, into your story……. then unceremoniously killing them, well that’s nice too.

What part of creating comics do you find the most challenging?

Time. With a head full of ideas and unlimited illustration styles needing exploring, it’s purely down to finding, or more importantly making, time. Everyday life gets in the way, work, studies, sleep even. So i take my hat off (and only my hat!) to every indie comic creator, that actually found, made, begged or borrowed time to create their comics….. as for the cost, don’t get me started on that one!!!

What do you love about being at a comic con (from either side of a table)?

The vibe, every person there is there to enjoy themselves with like-minded people.

Where else can you go and see a hall full of weirdly dressed, crazy people armed to the teeth with a vast array of weaponry and come away with your life, if not your sanity, intact?

What comic - other than your own - would you recommend people read?

The Rocketeer, Jetpack Treasury Edition. by Dave Stevens. It’s big, bold and colourful. Just what a comic should be!

You can find The Inheretic online at their website and stop by their table at True Believers 2018 and say "Hello".

With True Believers 2018 just days away, we put 5 Questions to Russell Olson...

What will people find at your table at True Believers 2018?

Issues of Gateway City, my noir-sci-fi tale set in 1920s St. Louis. Copies of Dirty Rotten Comics #11 featuring my Horatia Hale yarn. And I'll also have The Arte Mephitic, a Lovecraftian cautionary tale told in verse and illustrated with woodcuts.

What do you love about creating comics?

Making a link with the past. Most of my comic inspirations come from the 50s and 60s: rendering, brushwork, composition...all of it. Whenever I sit down to make comics, I feel like I'm having a dialogue with Caniff, Kurtzman or Toth. I can't get enough of it!

What part of creating comics do you find the most challenging?

Time. I like to work on as many projects as possible, but sadly, comics take time and focus. There are oodles of stories I'd like to work on and a number of collaborations that I'm champing at the bit to get to, but my window of availability opens disproportionately into a grotesque, mocking grin.

What do you love about being at a comic con (from either side of a table)?

Meeting people who share your passions and interests. Making new connections and expanding your world both physically and metaphorically.

What comic - other than your own - would you recommend people read?

There's one in particular that I've discovered this year: Nick Prolix's The Sheep and the Wolves. It's a beautifully intimate exploration of a 60s London neighbourhood filled with culture, class and hipness. The writing is sensitive and sophisticated, like the fingers of a watchmaker subtly adjusting a timing screw to just the right degree. The visuals are straight out of the best of the Bande Dessinee tradition and articulate the cast and environments in complete sympathy to the writing. I can't get enough of it, and am certain that in a very short amount of time it'll be on everyone's radar. It's what all of us comic-craftsmen yearn to do.

You can find Russell online at his website and stop by his table at True Believers 2018 and say "Hello".

With True Believers 2018 just weeks away, we put 5 Questions to Lost City Studios...

What will people find at your table at True Believers 2018?

We will be there! You will find our new self-published comic Bamboo. A comical western adventure filled with martial arts action.

Phil and Sam will also be selling pop culture artwork prints.

What do you love about creating comics?

We all just love being able to create a story, from start to finish. Bringing an idea to life, all the way from a scribbled out draft script, through to a complete printed comic that we can hold is the greatest feeling!

What part of creating comics do you find the most challenging?

EDITING! is the scourge of all our lives.

What do you love about being at a comic con (from either side of a table)?

We love meeting and talking to other artists and writers about what they are creating! Even when we are behind the table, we take turns to explore the con!

Although we are usually modest, It's nice to have our own work admired! It's really encouraging to creators like ourselves who do work full time jobs and spend our evenings creating comic books and artwork.

What comic - other than your own - would you recommend people read?

We all have very different opinions so we each answered this question.

Phil says read SAGA by Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples.

Tom says read Batman, Court of Owls because Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo are a match made in heaven.

Sam says, as a manga fan I recommend Attack on Titan. Because the art is incredible.

You can find Lost City Studios at True Believers 2018. Be sure to stop by their table and say "Hello".

With True Believers 2018 just weeks away, we put 5 Questions to The Psychedelic Journal...

What will people find at your table at True Believers 2018?

They might, if they're really unlucky, find a Quantum Capybara nibbling at the table legs and causing temporal havok about the place. But if they're lucky they'll find a selection of themed anthology comics featuring the cream of the small-press crop!

What do you love about creating comics?

The Quantum Capybara pay me in chocolate coins to feature them in our comics, and that's fairly delicious. But getting to work with so many talented artists and writers is pretty great as well.

What part of creating comics do you find the most challenging?

It's quite challenging to create comics when the Quantum Capybara insist on playing the cosmic bagpipes in your ear while you edit.

What do you love about being at a comic con (from either side of a table)?

It's just nice to get out of the house, the stench of cosmic Capybara dung is getting unbearable.

What will people find at your table at True Believers 2018?

JIMMY: I will have copies of my first and currently only book SHIT FLINGERS: Bestiary #1. It does however come in three awesome flavours (*covers). I will also be shilling some luxury art prints.

Jay: Yeah, people are going to need a fat wallet when they stop by. I have the Domeinion Novel and Graphic Novel, ALV #1 & #2 and Team Super #1 & (hopefully) #2. On top of that it’s the third con for the Ka Anthology. Also working on some new interesting Merch for me and the boys, so fun for all the family!

What do you love about creating comics?

C: The rockstar lifestyle (HA!). That and seeing something that was once an idea on a scrap of paper become this fully formed book that you’ve created with some amazingly talented people.

JF: What Chris said, the thrill of seeing something coalesce from nothing. The baton being passed on to the next stage of the process.

JM: It used to be the scariest part for me, but now it’s my favourite. Seeing someone else interpret my words is a real buzz.

JF: Unless you’re one of those rare beasts that does everything, it really is a team effort.

JM: For me it’s also the people that make it worthwhile. Made some genuine friends and the talent is unreal. Coming to cons and getting together with everyone never disappoints.

C: Agreed!

What part of creating comics do you find the most challenging?

C: Right this instant? Writing them, funnily enough. Think I’m going through a bout of ‘block’; plenty of ideas, not sure of which one to write.

JM: Same here. My head is a mess at the best of times, but with sixteen different stories banging about in there and when to do what, loads to do and most of the time I end up doing nothing!

C: Exactly, with writing anything, there comes an investment of time, emotional input, research, everything that goes with it and sometimes, just sometimes, that can, for some reason, become overwhelming.

JF: Time. It’s the same for me the constant struggle to juggle work and home life. Limited time makes it increasingly difficult to find the time for creative endeavours.

JM: Also, the expense can be a nightmare. As a writer it becomes your project, you become responsible for everything, paying artists, colourists, letterer, printing, etc. It can be dear,too.

What do you love about being at a comic con (from either side of a table)?

JM: Like I said before, for me it’s the people. Always a none stop laugh.

C: The atmosphere, talking to potential new readers, taking to people that have read (and enjoyed, hopefully) your work, spending time with buds behind and in front of the table.

JF: Nothing beats hanging with friends and getting to talk to complete strangers about my silly stories. If I’m lucky I may even sell a couple of books.

JM: Yeah, what they said. There’s also the added bonus of getting to see Sidesy with his top off every now and again.

C: ...

What comic - other than your own - would you recommend people read?

JM: Well, after you have bought everything that Chris and Jimmy have on offer, go check out the Reckless Hero boys and pick up Last Sheriff and Operation Boom. Then there is the never not awesome Jon Laight, with Brethren Born and his new Late Knights book. And Perry Winkle by the awesome Susie Gander.

C: Agreed! The KA ANTHOLOGY by Jay Martin and friends and SHIT FLINGERS by Jimmy Furlong and friends.

JF: Hell yeah, those are some great books, right there. I’d add MERRICK: The Sensational Elephant Man by Tom Ward, VESSELS BY Dave Cook, COGNITION by Ken Reynolds and HEADLOPPPER by Andrew MacLean to the list.

You can find Jay online at his website, Jimmy on his Facebook Page and Chris on his website. And be sure to stop by their tables at True Believers 2018 and say "Hello".

What will people find at your table at True Believers 2018?

People will be able to get their hands on 'The Axeman Cometh', the successfully Kickstarted & LONG awaited (my fault) book from the mind of Darrell Smith & the art team of myself, Saad Azim & Rob Jones. It's a crime noir thriller set in the Deep South of the United States in the late 1920s/early 30s. Based loosely on the Axeman of New Orleans, it follows our hero & Private Detective, Flint as he searches for the killer that continues to evade his clutches.

There will also be cards/prints from the teaser images available, as well as a mini comic from myself & Lee Overton, (who wanted to kill off Professor X way back in the 90s, before it was cool), called 'Stranglehood' & will be available with sparkly new cover for the first time also.

Lastly, you'll find me. But don't let that put you off.

What do you love about creating comics?

I'm not sure if it's the long hours, or the constant disappointment that what's in my head doesn't quite look the same as it does on paper?

In all seriousness, those things are always eclipsed by a simple love of the medium. I've been a comics reader since the mid-80s & deep down, it's what I've always wanted to do. Whether you're putting someone else's ideas down & seeing/hearing their reaction, or bringing your own fanciful imaginings to life, that joy, when it comes out right, is rarely matched. I'd love to have a great flowery answer full of insightful knowledge, but it's hard to explain that pride in looking at something you've created. It's like having kids; some days it's amazing, & others you want to snap your pens in half stuff it all back in a drawer & cry for 12 hours.

What part of creating comics do you find the most challenging?

Finding the time. Having a young family means that some days, you can be lucky to get a few minutes before little Timmy needs you to watch him play that "amazing" game where nothing happens. Or sweet little Tina thinks that as you like drawing so much, you'll enjoy spending an hour cleaning her paintings off the living room wall.

But I know it'll all be worth it, when I've got one inking my pencils & the other is hooked up to the Cintiq colouring the book. Obviously at minimum wage. I'm not made of money!!

(Nb. Timmy & Tina are fictional characters. My kids are much more annoying)

What do you love about being at a comic con (from either side of a table)?

Well, as True Believers 2018 will be my first time tabling, I can only speak from the other side of the table.

I used to go to Cons, buy books & leave. But in the past few years, discovering the (specifically) indie comic scene has been huge for me. Meeting new people, interacting, swapping stories, panels, etc, has opened up a whole new world that I wish I'd have seen many years before. These friendships & the community is what I love more than anything. Considering all of the horror stories out there at the moment, thankfully, I'm mainly being exposed (maybe the wrong word in this conversation) to the good side of it all.

What comic - other than your own - would you recommend people read?

People who know me will be bored of this answer, but it's the 'Porcelain' series from Improper Books. Read & Wildgoose have created the sort of amazing world & story that I can only dream, of one day creating. I'm still shocked that more people aren't talking about it.

Be sure to stop by Pete's table at True Believers 2018 and say "Hello".

With True Believers 2018 just over a month away, we put 5 Questions to David Leach...

What will people find at your table at True Believers 2018?

cheery, happy, bespectacled middle-aged man with a receding hairline, a reducing waistline and a willingness to sell his wares, which for True Believers will consist of comics and a new graphic novel!

First up is issue #1 of my comic art book: PSYCHO GRAN VS... This 36-page art book features Psycho Gran beating up a variety of superheroes and movie characters, from Superman, Batman and Iron Man to an Alien, a Dalek, and even Dracula himself! The comic comes with a guest art section featuring art drawn by the likes of Mike Perkins, Davey Jones, Lew Stringer, Rian Hughes and Mike Collins. Also available will be a selection ofPSYCHO GRAN art prints.

Next up I'll also be selling the first two issues of my autobiographical comic: DAVID LEACH CONQUERS THE UNIVERSE(the all-true story of my life told in comic book form. Issue #1 features the story of how I fought a giant fire-breathing lizard called The Big G in London and the second issue recounts the time I went up to the International Space Station, fought a genetically created monster and meet my future wife. That comic's published by ALL TRUE COMICS whose motto is 'We Never Lie.' So that's a guarantee that everything that happens in the comic is true!

And finally, I'll be selling a brand new book: THE DINNER LADIES FROM HELL! This full-colour 64pp graphic novel will collect, for the first time ever, the entire story first published in Pat Mill's 1990 cult British comic, TOXIC!The comic tells the story of The four Wives of the Riders of the Apocalypse who have six days, six hours and six minutes to corrupt seven children with the seven deadly sins and only one man and God's cook book stand in their way! That book also features a never-before-published story called DOCTOR TICKLE and a foreword written by the legendary Dan Abnett, the strip's first editor.

What do you love about creating comics?

That first spark of a new idea, when the whole story floods into your consciousness and you start to unravel it, to see its structure, then taking that idea and shaping it, sketching out its rhythm and the pacing. After that, it’s the long, lonely hours, the stillness of the middle of the night, the joys of the World Service keeping you company till the dawn comes, the buzz of exhaustion when you’ve only had three hours sleep and have to do a full day’s work tomorrow! Then the torture and tedium of the colouring – what takes you a day to draw will enviably take you twice as long to colour and letter. All the time, this whole process is accompanied by the sensation that no one will like what you do and that you’re rubbish. And then finally, to see all that effort finished and published either digitally or in print. In a nutshell, the thing I love most about creating comics, is the sheer creative process from beginning to end.

What part of creating comics do you find the most challenging?

The blank sheet of paper. Making my first mark on it. Starting to draw. I never have problems coming up with ideas.

What do you love about being at a comic con (from either side of a table)?

I actually love selling comics to the punters, engaging with them, showing them my wares, giving them the whole sales patter (I have a routine), making them laugh and the act of actually physically selling my comics, it gives me a great sense of pride. I also enjoy meeting other creators and talking about comics in general with the only other people who ‘Know’.

What comic - other than your own - would you recommend people read?

Read comics? Are you mad? What a terrible waste of time that would be! Don’t you realise how much good stuff there’s out there on Netflix and Amazon?!

Actually, I couldn’t possibly name just one comic. This is my current comic reading list. Velvet vol. 3, Invincible Vol. 24, The World of Edena, Valerian & Laureline Vol. 19: At the Edge of The Great Void, 1971 Wham! annual and a lovely Charles Addams collection, which I bought in the best book shop on the planet in Penn Village called The Cottage Bookshop.

And since I technically didn’t write this I feel confident in recommending The first volume of Fighting American on sale in April from Titan Comics. It’s a book I edited, it’s written by Gordon Rennie and drawn by Duke Mighten and PC De La Fluente. It’s the continuing adventures of characters created by Jack Kirby and Joe Simon and it’s a blast!

You can find David online at the Psycho Gran Facebook Page and stop by his table at True Believers 2018 and say "Hello".

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